Tag: electrical

Signs of Electrical Wiring Problems

How to Spot the Signs of Faulty Electrical Wiring 

The modern home thrives on electricity, from its lights to its appliances. However, with convenience comes certain risks that homeowners should be mindful of. For instance, if one doesn’t recognize the signs of an electrical problem, they risk their health, peace of mind, and safety. Here, one can learn about some signs of electrical wiring problems so they can immediately consult a professional. 

Tripped Circuit Breakers and Blown Fuses 

If a homeowner loses power in some parts of the home, this could indicate a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Both of these devices intend to manage the flow of electricity throughout a house, preventing power surges and other events. When these components get tripped or blown, it generally means: 

  • Too much electricity surged through the grid, and the components shut off to prevent damage to electrical devices. 
  • They sensed an issue that could cause an electrical fire, such as faulty wiring, and turned off power to certain devices to help protect the household. 
  • It’s worth noting that newer homes generally rely on circuit breakers, while many homes built before 1960 exclusively rely on fuses. 

While inconvenient, tripped circuit breakers and blown fuses benefit homeowners. They prevent adverse events, promote electrical safety, and signal underlying electrical problems with the home or the power supply. If they happen more frequently, faulty wiring may be to blame, and an electrician should be called.

Scorched Outlets or Outlets That Are Hot to the Touch

outletAn outlet that is hot to the touch or one with scorch or burn marks is bad news and can also indicate wiring problems. A scorched outlet is when the area around the socket is black or looks burned. Reasons for an outlet with burn marks or one that feels hot could include: 

  • The socket’s overloaded: An outlet can only handle so many devices at one time. A homeowner who relies on extension cords or power strips could accidentally overload the circuit. 
  • Loose or damaged wiring: Damaged wiring behind the socket can generate excess heat, cause burn marks, and pose an electrical hazard. 
  • A short circuit: This can occur when an electrical current going through the wiring doesn’t travel through the correct path, choosing a shorter route. 

Replacing the outlet’s faceplate will not address the underlying electrical problem with the wiring. Continuing to use the outlet in the face of such a severe issue could threaten homeowners’ safety. 

Buzzing Sounds or Burning Smells Near Outlets 

smellBuzzing sounds or burning smells near an outlet also indicate problems with the electrical wiring and are alarming as their causes could lead to an electrical fire. These signs could mean that: 

  • The circuit is overloaded, meaning too many things are plugged in at a time. 
  • The outlet itself needs replacing, either its wires or the sockets. 
  • There are loose or damaged wires requiring repair or replacement. 

Odd sounds and smells could also point to voltage fluctuations. Electronic devices rely on a steady stream of power to stay on. If there are voltage fluctuations, devices may turn on and off or fail to maintain a steady charge. Voltage fluctuation can also put excessive wear and tear on the system itself. If homeowners notice any faulty wiring symptoms, they should call an electrician immediately to keep their homes and families safe. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical 

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a local family-owned business serving Lansing and the surrounding areas. They offer fast response, the best brands, and tailored solutions. Call them today for electrical services in Lansing, MI. 

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Green Electrical Tips to Avoid Getting "Pinched" By High Electric Bills

3 Tips for Lowering a Home’s Energy Costs

As the prices of everything from eggs to gasoline continue to soar, people are scrambling for ways to cut their spending. They may be looking for ways to save money as well as find energy savings. Since everyone is trying to be greener, below are a few tips for cutting a household’s electric bill and energy usage.

Ceiling Fans Make a Difference 

fanWhile heating and air conditioning systems are made to heat or cool an entire home, ceiling fans can help with air distribution, meaning the HVAC system does not have to work as hard, saving energy and money. Despite fans not being associated with heating, they can be used to help redistribute heat that has risen to the ceiling.

One thing homeowners need to make sure of is the fan blade direction, or they may be working against their heating and cooling systems. When the heat is on for cooler months, fan blades should rotate clockwise, and during the warmer seasons, when the AC is on, they should rotate counterclockwise to achieve the best results. 

Keep Lights and Appliances Off When Not in Use

lightKeeping lights turned off and appliances unplugged when no one uses them has been advised for decades. Homeowners can significantly impact energy costs by turning off lights and appliances when not in use or when natural light is available. Doing so reduces the amount of electricity pulled from the grid, saving money and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with power generation. 

It is important to remember that even small habit changes like this can make a difference. Additionally, switching to more energy-efficient lights and appliances is another way to reduce energy consumption and costs while helping the environment.

Upgrade Lightbulbs to LEDs

It’s time to upgrade the lights if homeowners still use those old incandescent bulbs. LED lights are the most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technology in today’s market and have improved on incandescent bulbs in several ways. LED lighting uses at least 75% less energy and lasts up to 25 times longer than incandescent. 

LED lights also give off very little heat compared to incandescent bulbs which release 90% of their energy as heat. This means that LED lightbulbs are unlikely to catch on fire, making the home safer than it would be with incandescent lights as well as reducing energy usage and bills. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a local, family-owned business serving East Lansing and the surrounding communities. They provide fast response, full-service solutions, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for plumbing, heating, AC, remodeling, or electrical services in Lansing, MI. 

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Household Electrical Hazards You Can Avoid

3 Common Electrical Hazards Most Houses Have

Between smartphones, electric stoves, dryers, and all the other electrical appliances of the modern age, it’s hard to imagine a world without electricity. But the benefits of electricity don’t come without their risks. There are an estimated 51,000 home fires caused by electrical hazards every year, and most of those fires are preventable with the right knowledge. Keep reading to learn about three common electrical hazards found in the average home, and how to prevent them from becoming a big problem.

The Most Common: Overloaded Power Stripspowerstrips

Every home in America is guilty of overloading power strips. It just happens! Plugging in phones, computers, TVs, and other appliances can take up all the outlets in a home, so people resort to overtaxing a powerstrip for extra bandwidth. 

When is a powerstrip overloaded? Power strips have a maximum amount of amps they can handle, usually under 12. Any amount of appliances plugged in that use more than 12 amps can overload a power strip. For perspective, a toaster and a coffee maker usually use about 20 amps of energy. It’s better to underload a power strip, to prevent any melting or burning that can arise from electrical surges. If calculating amps and wattage aren’t possible while using a power strip, a good rule of thumb is to avoid using more than half of the outlets on the strip itself.

The Oldest Issue: Poor or Outdated Wiring

Historic homes may come with unique features and beautiful architecture, but they also come with a danger hidden in the walls: old wires. Homes more than a few decades old aren’t set up to handle modern electrical needs. The average modern home can handle 200 amps of electricity, but most older homes can only manage a fourth of that or around 60 amps. 

Additionally, homes older than 20 years are usually fitted with frayed, poorly insulated wiring and fuses. Worn-down wire insulation, broken fuses, or overworked old wires can lead to electrical fires. Because of this trend, older homes should be inspected for outdated wiring. The only solution for old wiring is to have an electrician run new wires throughout the home that can handle the needs of modern technology.

The Easy Mistake: Using the Wrong Light Bulbslightbulb

Most people don’t think there’s such a thing as using the wrong light bulb, but there most definitely is! Using a light bulb with too high of wattage can lead to overheating of the lightbulb itself. The result can mean melted light sockets and damage to wiring and wiring insulation connected to the socket. What’s more, using the wrong type of light bulb can send electric bills through the roof and contribute to energy waste in the home.

Preventing electrical disasters isn’t rocket science. Homeowners can watch out for these common electrical hazards and stop them from harming their homes. Of course, if professional help is needed, contact a local electrician for assistance.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical 

The people of Lansing know that when electrical problems come calling, Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is ready to fix them! For over three decades, their reliable experts have been providing 24/7 electrical support to their community. They guarantee satisfied customers and top-of-the-line work with every project. Call today for reliable electric service in Lansing, MI.

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New Year's Resolutions for Residential Electrical Systems

Include Your Home in Your Resolutions

The start of a new year is an excellent time to take stock and plan what people would like to accomplish in the upcoming year. During this time, many families will make budgets and plans to update their homes or renovate certain portions. A home is the most significant investment that most people will ever make, so it makes sense to keep it up to date and safe to maximize its value. 

One of the best ways to add value to a home is to keep the electrical system safe and updated. This ensures a good resale value, easy usage while homeowners occupy the house and safe operation for whoever lives in the home. When making plans for the year, homeowners should consider a few things. 

Update Old or Dangerous Wiring

outlets

Wiring is the most common source of electrical problems and fires. As electricity flows through the wiring, it heats up slightly. When circuits get overloaded, this can become a chronic problem. After many years in service, wires used most often may benefit from replacement if it is noticed that the breaker trips often or sections of the wire get brittle. 

There are three mains styles of wiring that have been used in homes since the installation of electricity:

  • Knob and Tube: This was the first type of wiring used, and it is present in many homes still. It is highly recommended that this style of wiring be taken out of service and replaced. 
  • Aluminum: Aluminum was the material of choice for a while when the price of copper got high. Most aluminum wire is 50 years old at this point and is more subject to corrosion and becoming brittle. 
  • Copper: Copper is the most recent material of choice. Copper is highly conductive and reliable. Damaged wires should still be replaced immediately, but unless otherwise needed, copper wiring is desirable. 

Inspect Outlets

Electrical outlets are one of the most-used components of an electrical system. With continued use, they can begin to malfunction, so special care should be taken to ensure they are in good working order. When inspecting outlets or having them inspected, be sure that these outlets are included: 

  • GFCI outlets
  • AFCI outlets
  • Outdoor power sources
  • Indoor outlets
  • Specialty outlets-- like dryer or stove outlets

Outlets should be inspected for security, meaning they don’t move when plugs are inserted or removed. Outlets should be free of burn marks, burnt smells, and should hold plugs firmly. GFCI and AFCI outlets should be tested for proper function and repairs made for any problems found. 

Don’t Overload Circuitry 

Every homeowner should have at least a little familiarity with the load that different appliances place on an electrical circuit. To start, homeowners should know what breakers control what rooms and appliances around the home. The circuits that get overloaded the most often are to bathrooms and kitchens due to the higher power needs of appliances used there. 

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With a little electrical literacy, homeowners can determine how much to load a circuit. When they get overloaded, breakers trip or fuses burn out. Repeated overloading can damage the wiring and outlets. By keeping circuits underloaded, the risk of fires is reduced, and the inconvenience of resetting breakers is removed. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

At the Meridian Company in Lansing, concerned professionals always answer the phone. Upfront pricing makes their service easy-to-understand before the job begins. Long-term service agreements from Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical help homeowners protect the work that they paid for. Give them a call for reliable electrical repairs and services in Lansing.

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How To Know When To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

When Is It Necessary To Upgrade the Electrical Panel?

A lot of people tend to see updated electrical codes as being unnecessary and irritating. However, updated electrical codes are necessary to keep modern buildings safe and ready to accept the new demands placed on them. As building technology gets better, it becomes necessary to implement new building practices to keep up with the times. Upgrading electrical panels is one of the things that is becoming increasingly more common as society continues to use more electricity.

Upgraded electrical panels remove some of the dangers that have arisen from outdated equipment of the past. Additionally, new electrical panels can replace old equipment with new equipment that is more user-friendly and safer. 

But knowing when to replace the panel can be a daunting decision. Luckily, there are opportunities to have a panel replaced without major interruptions in electrical service.

Old Wiring Problems

electrical panel

Whenever a home has wiring problems, they need to be addressed immediately. Wiring problems can run the range of inconvenient to hazardous. Wiring problems are most common in older homes that were built according to outdated codes with inferior materials. This means that the electrical panel is also likely outdated. Even if a newer home is having frequent wiring problems, these problems put extra stress on the electrical panel.

When an electrician comes to fix wiring issues, it is a prime opportunity to upgrade the service panel. Upgrading the service panel will ensure that the wiring and panel are compatible and that the home is protected from overcurrent and fire hazards. 

Installing New Appliances

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It is common to need an electrician's help when installing new appliances. New appliances may have different electrical demands than what was common when a home was built. As a result, the current wiring may be too small, and the overcurrent protection may be outdated. This means that the new appliance could present a hazard.

Having an electrician install appliances can ensure that the home's infrastructure can support the new appliance. During installation, the electrician can inspect the wiring and electrical panel to ensure it is safe and up to code. If it is not, they may recommend replacing the panel. 

Adding Circuits To a Home

fixing a panel

One of the best times to upgrade a panel is when a homeowner wants to add circuits to their home. In most homes, electrical panels are completely full, leaving no room for expanding service to the house. As a home demands more electricity with increased lighting needs, appliances, and room additions, it becomes necessary to get a bigger panel to serve the new circuits. 

Over the years, homes' demands for electricity have increased. People are using more electricity today than they were even 20 years ago, and the trend will probably continue. Furthermore, new codes are restrictive when it comes to combining certain loads on a circuit, so homes need more circuits than they used to. Therefore, by choosing to upgrade an electrical panel, a homeowner can more easily meet the demands they place on an electrical system and make expansion easier in the future. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Need help with an electrical problem? The electricians at Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical are ready to help. Serving the Lansing, MI area since 1984, they are available to offer cost-effective, expert solutions to electrical panel problems. 

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